The 2018 MBA convention is set for March 2nd-4th. Keynote speaker will be Gene Wensel, one of the founding members of the Montana Bowhuntes Association. Please visit our general info page for more information regarding the 2018 MBA convention.

Carp Safari

The Montana Bowhunters Association will host the 15th Annual Canyon Ferry Carp Safari on June 10, 2017 on Canyon Ferry Lake, east of Helena. Weigh-in and the awards ceremony will be staged at the Hellgate Campground Group Use Area. The competition runs from first light until 5:00 pm, with prizes to be awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, and most fish (by count) in youth and adult categories. Hamburgers, chips and beverages will be available after the shoot for registered participants and spectators. The prizes are great, the camping’s great and you can’t find a better way to spend a summer weekend! 2017 MT Fishing Regulations | Carp Shoot FAQ’s

The pre-registration entry fees are as follows: $40 per 2-person team, $20 per adult individual, and $10 per under-15 individual. Fees increase on the day of the shoot to: $50 per 2-person team and $25 per adult individual. The meal is included in shooters’ registration fees, and meal tickets for spectators can be purchased for $6.00.

What equipment do I need to participate?

MT fishing license.

Bow – For the beginner, any bow will do. You can use any bow that you are comfortable with. Most people prefer not to use their hunting bow as bowfishing requires a somewhat different setup. A short, light weight bow with a 50 lb or less draw weight is ideal for bowfishing, and 40 lbs. is more than adequate for Canyon Ferry carp! Traditional bows are very popular in bowfishing, and are easily rigged with several different types of reels. Junior bows are great, too, because of the size and weight.

Screw-on or tape-on fishing reel with nylon string.

Fiberglass fishing arrows work best. Get arrows without vanes or fletch – fletching can cause problems by spinning the arrow and causing the line to twist, which results in line control problems. Two or three arrows are enough, but you may want more fish points, in case you break them on rocks. Quick-release points are a good idea. Ensure your arrows are equipped with safety slides (see warning below).

Boat (optional) – if you bring one, it must have current registration and be equipped with life jackets.

Where can I purchase equipment?

Local sports stores will often have equipment available. There are a number of sites on-line which sell equipment. Some of these include:

What time can I start bowfishing on Saturday? When is weigh-in?

Since the Carp Safari is primarily designed as a fun shoot rather than a strict competition, preregistered shooters can begin bowfishing at first light. Weigh-in is set for 5:00 pm. This cut-off will be strictly observed so we can finish the weigh-in, tally scores, and prepare for the awards ceremony at 6:30 pm.

What camping is available near the shoot?

Hellgate Group Use Area and General Camping Info

The MBA has Hellgate Group Use B reserved for the event from Thursday June 8th– Sunday June 11th at 11:00 am. There are 10 established campsites in Group Use B. The Bureau of Reclamation allows a tent to be associated with each of the established camper/tent sites for “kid overflow.” Early attendees can set up camp in this area beginning Thursday at 12:00 pm.

Carp Safari organizer Joelle Selk is taking reservations for Group Use B campsites, In addition, we have reserved a few campsites in Loop A to make more camping available to carp safari participants. To reserve a campsite, please email Joelle at jselkmt@gmail.com for details of sites available. Loop A campsites will be released to the general public the first week of June if not reserved in order to recoup those costs.

If you prefer to arrange your own camping reservations, you can reserve online at www.recreation.gov by searching for Hellgate Campground and Group Use Area or by clicking on this link:

Getting There:

From Helena, MT: Head east along County Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign and turn right. Continue straight until you reach the campground. From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign. Continue straight until you reach the campground.

For general campground inquiries, call the Canyon Ferry Bureau of Reclamation Office:(406) 475-3921

What other activities are planned for the Safari?

Evening activities will consist of the meal, awards ceremony, and fellowship with other bow hunters around any number of campfires.
In the event of weather unfavorable for carp fishing, we will have 3-D carp targets set up in the bay.

ARROW SNAP-BACK WARNING

Bow fishing is great fun, but like all hunting, safety is a must! Arrow snap-back can cause serious injury or death. Snap-back can occur when line is tied to tail of arrow. Visit AMS’s website for an explanation of how it occurs and how it can be prevented:http://www.amsbowfishing.com/safety-warning

Join the MBA

If you share our concern for Montana’s wildlife and our hunting heritage then you should be a part of the MBA. Join Now! If at any time you have questions, please e-mail info@mtba.org or call 406-697-7668.

Got a Story to Tell?

If your passionate about hunting and want to share your stories on the MBA site or in the MBA Magazine please email them to info@mtba.org.